Youth Education
This program engages high school youth (ages 14–18) and young adults (ages 18–30, or up to 35 for veterans) in a shared, community-based experience focused on leadership development, environmental education, and hands-on outdoor learning.
This community-based environmental leadership program connects high school youth and young adults through hands-on outdoor learning, mentorship, and service. Youth Interns explore environmental topics related to the environment, natural resource management, and ecology while building leadership skills and working on projects that make a difference in their communities.
AmeriCorps Youth Education Specialists and Youth Education Leaders serve as mentors and educators, guiding youth through outdoor and environmental education, field-based learning, and community engagement while developing their own professional skills. Together, participants build a shared sense of belonging, stewardship, and responsibility to community and place.
The program is non-residential and based in the Twin Cities metro area, with a summer-intensive experience focused on youth leadership and outdoor learning.
Young adults, ages 18-30 (or veterans ages 18-35), who join the program are committing to a full-time AmeriCorps experience for either a full year or a three-month summer term.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that addresses challenges in our communities through the dedicated service of its members. AmeriCorps members serve directly with nonprofit organizations (like Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa) to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges. Members join to give back to their communities while gaining a foundation of marketable skills for natural resource careers. All young adults who join this program are enrolled as AmeriCorps members, volunteering to serve their community through environmental stewardship and youth engagement.
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AmeriCorps Member Benefits
Corpsmembers value hard work, community service, and environmental stewardship and join the Corps to give back to the community while gaining life-long skills. Whether looking to jump-start a natural resources career, gain experience leading youth, or simply try something new, Corpsmembers often have a transformational experience leaving them feeling more prepared for whatever comes next.
Training & Certifications
Corpsmembers receive training in youth development, teaching and facilitation, outdoor and environmental education, and personal development skills. Corpsmembers also receive formal training in safety and risk management, First Aid and CPR, defensive driving, leadership and communication, and other skills pertinent to various outdoor projects.
Student Loan Forbearance
Qualified federal student loans may be put on forbearance during an AmeriCorps service term. Individuals should check with their loan holder to determine if their loans are eligible.
AmeriCorps Education Award
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps service term, members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay for college or technical school or to pay back qualified student loans.
Other benefits include:
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance
- Member assistance fund
- Childcare assistance
Life in the Field
AmeriCorps Members
Corpsmembers serve 40 hours per week. A typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for specific events, and members will know in advance when these dates are.
Housing
This is a non-residential program, so AmeriCorps members must secure their own housing within a reasonable commuting distance to the program location.
Partners
